The team with possession of the ball, the offense, attempts to score by advancing the ball down the field through a combination of running and passing plays. The opposing team, the defense, employs various tactics to stop them, including tackling the ball carrier to the ground.

Points can be scored through a variety of methods, including touchdowns, field goals, and extra points. The team with the most points at the end of four quarters, each lasting fifteen minutes, is declared the winner.